Understanding the Windows 11 Lifecycle for Home and Pro Editions
Windows 11, akin to other iterations of Microsoft’s operating systems, operates on a defined lifecycle for each feature update. This lifecycle commences when a new version is officially rolled out and concludes according to the policies set by Microsoft, specific to the version and edition.
The tech giant typically offers a minimum support duration of 18 months for each release of both the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. Conversely, the Enterprise and Education editions usually benefit from a support period of at least 36 months.
This lifecycle designates the timeframe during which a particular version of the operating system will receive important security patches, maintenance updates, and additional features. Furthermore, as long as you maintain a genuine license for the version throughout its lifecycle, you are entitled to access technical support.
Consumer Lifecycle Overview
The details outlined below pertain to Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE editions.
| Home & Pro | Official Title | Release Date | Support End Date | Currently Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 2024 Update | October 1, 2024 | October 13, 2026 | Yes |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 2023 Update | October 31, 2023 | November 11, 2025 | Yes |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 2022 Update | September 20, 2022 | October 8, 2024 | No |
| Windows 11 21H2 | Original Release | October 4, 2021 | October 3, 2023 | No |
Business Lifecycle Overview
The information below is relevant to Windows 11 Education, Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise editions.
| Enterprise & Education | Official Title | Release Date | Support End Date | Currently Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 2024 Update | October 1, 2024 | October 12, 2027 | Yes |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 2023 Update | October 31, 2023 | November 10, 2026 | Yes |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 2022 Update | September 20, 2022 | October 14, 2025 | Yes |
| Windows 11 21H2 | Original Release | October 4, 2021 | October 8, 2024 | No |
It’s advisable to upgrade to the latest Windows version before your device’s feature update reaches its end of support. While this upgrade process is generally manual, failing to do so may force your computer to automatically initiate an upgrade as its current version nears the end of its service period.
For those utilizing the Windows 11 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) editions, the lifecycle differs significantly. The Windows 11 LTSB is ideal for users seeking stability and who prefer not to deal with frequent feature updates. This edition is available with up to 10 years of support, lacks unnecessary pre-installed software, and does not receive feature updates.
The Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 was made available on October 1, 2024, and is slated for support until October 1, 2034.
However, access to Windows 11 LTSB is restricted to Volume License customers or those with an MSDN subscription. This version is typically intended for environments prioritizing long-term stability and security over frequent feature updates, such as medical devices, industrial control systems, and point-of-sale systems.
It’s worth noting that Windows 10 follows a different lifecycle, and Microsoft plans to fully phase out this operating system by October 14, 2025.
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